Objective To measure the macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and investigate the effects of lutein supplementation on MPOD in patients with early age-related macular degeneration (AMD).Methods Forty-two early AMD eyes, which have been diagnosed by visual acuity, fundus photography and indirect ophthalmoscopy, and 42 fellow eyes were enrolled in this study. Lutein was administered in dose of 15.1 mg daily for one month. The MPOD value before and after lutein supplementation were measured by heterochromatic flicker photometry. The relationship between the MPOD value and lutein supplementation was analyzed.Results The MPOD value of AMD eyes and fellow eyes before lutein supplementation was 0.347plusmn;0.182 and 0.426plusmn;0.173 respectively, the difference was statistically significant (t=-2.042,P=0.044). The MPOD value of AMD eyes and fellow eyes after lutein supplementation was 0.406plusmn;0.155 and 0.446plusmn;0.128 respectively, the difference was not statistically significant (t=-1.283,P=0.203). For AMD eyes, there was an increasing trend of MPOD values after lutein supplementation, but no statistically significant differences (t=-1.594,P=0.115). Furthermore, there was a negative correlation between the changes of MPOD and initial MPOD in both AMD eyes (r=-0.552,P=0.000) and the fellow eyes (r=-0.731,P=0.000).Conclusions Early AMD eyes have less MPOD. Lutein supplementation may play a role in enhancing the MPOD in these eyes.
ObjectiveTo summarize ways and advantages of applying polydioxanone (PDO) material in surgical field.MethodThe literatures related to the application of PDO materials in the surgery were reviewed and summarized.ResultsThe current researches showed that the PDO material could be used as the stent, carrier, suture, vena cava filters, and hemostatic clips in the surgical field, and its effect was superior to the traditional material products.ConclusionsGood biological properties of PDO materials make them suitable for use in surgical field. Despite it has outstanding advantages, its drawbacks cannot be ignored. PDO materials are currently limited in application and further research is needed to assess its true clinical feasibility, safety, and efficacy.